Abstract [en]

We present a method, based on SystemC, for quantification of noise coupling in mixed-signal systems, called BeNoC. Presented method facilitates seamless quantification of both power-line and substrate noise coupling at behavioral level. The main contribution of this approach is the integration of noise coupling simulation with behavioral functional simulation. Starting from a behavioral model of the system, captured in SystemC, we add wrappers to each block in the behavioral model. These wrappers add an estimated power consumption model for each block, which is triggered by events in the behavioral simulation. The noise coupling simulation is then done by connecting the different blocks according to a virtual layout and technology parameters. The resulting noisy substrate or noisy power-line can then be fed back into the behavioral model. Thus, effects on the system behavior can be analyzed. In this paper we focus on noise coupling over the power-supply network and demonstrating the usability of noise coupling simulation technique. The simulation results are compared with SPICE simulations.

Lundgren, Jan

Abstract [en]

In this thesis, noise coupling simulation is introduced into the behavioral level. Methods andmodels for simulating on-chip noise coupling at the behavioral level in a design flow are presentedand verified for accuracy and validity. Today, designs of electronic systems are becoming denserand more and more mixed-signal systems such as System-on-Chip (SoC) are being devised. Thisraises problems when the electronics components start to interfere with each other. Often, digitalcomponents disturb analog components, introducing noise into the system causing degradation ofthe performance or even introducing errors into the functionality of the system.Today, these effects can only be simulated at a very late stage in the design process, causinglarge design iterations and increased costs if the designers are required to return and makealterations, which may have occurred at a very early stage in the process.This is why the focus of this work is centered on extracting noise coupling simulation modelsthat can be used at a very early design stage, such as at the behavioral level and then follow thedesign through the various design stages. To achieve this, SystemC is selected as a platform andimplementation example for the behavioral level models. SystemC supports design refinement,which means that when designs are being refined and are crossing the design levels, the noisecoupling models can also be refined to suit the current design.This new method of thinking in primarily mixed-signal designs is called Behavioral levelNoise Coupling (BeNoC) simulation and shows great promise in enabling a reduction in the costsof design iterations due to component cross-talk and simplifies the work for mixed-signal systemdesigners.